Once again, THE HALF-CUBES double down! The band that's literally half of THE FLASHCUBES (still going strong with the hit album POP MASTERS, out now from Big Stir Records) continue their one-two-punch tributes to their pop-rock influences with another double-sided single, this one with a distinctively British bent. The A-side “Love's Melody” (originated by Ducks Deluxe and re-made by the revitalized new wave era Searchers in 1980) is backed by a new version of a choice pick from the mid-period Hollies, “Slow Down”. The full release featuring both tracks is out October 13 worldwide and up for pre-order and pre-save now: https://orcd.co/halfcubes-lovesmelody
As usual, lead 'Cubes GARY FRENAY (vocals, bass) and TOMMY ALLEN (drums) are joined by guitarists RANDY KLAWON and FERNANDO PERDOMO on the tracks. “Love's Melody” has a strong endorsement from its writer, Andy McMasters (of both Ducks Deluxe and The Motors). "A gigantic performance and production by The Half-Cubes. I am delighted to be associated with this, the best version of 'Love's Melody' I've ever heard,” McMasters says – high praise of the third version to hit the airwaves over the course of five decades. “They nailed it and totally captured the spirit of the song.”
Gary Frenay of The Half-Cubes talks about the band's long-standing affinity for the tune, and The Searchers: “From the first time I heard The Searchers as a kid, I was in love with their sound. To me, they were the British Invasion version of The Byrds, with ringing 12-string guitars and gorgeous harmonies. When they reappeared in 1980 with two great albums on Sire Records (a good dozen years after the end of their golden era) Tommy and I saw them live in Syracuse, NY and were both blown away by their performance, especially of their version of 'Love’s Melody.' It’s always been one of my very favorite Searchers songs, and it was truly a thrill to get to revive it for fresh ears all these years later. Andy McMaster wrote the song and did the original version with Ducks Deluxe in 1974, and The Searchers updated it 1980. And now 40+ years later, we get to put our own spin on this guitar pop classic.”
Frenay goes on to speak of the B-side, a cover of a deep cut by any standard. “'Slow Down' is a song from another original British Invasion band, The Hollies. It's from their often-overlooked but stellar 1972 album, Romany. Tommy and I always shared a fondness for this lost-classic LP, with 'Slow Down' being our fave track. So again, what a thrill to shine new light on this forgotten track. British Invasion forever!”
And likewise for THE HALF-CUBES. Another superb pairing of revamped pop-rock classics is on its way to the airwaves, and your ears!